Place of origin: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Donated by Shikano Ichio
Although it is unclear when they were first made, these miniature dolls were likely crafted and sold as souvenirs in the area around Ninenzaka, a stone-paved street on a slope near Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto City. Miniature dolls such as these were popular during the Edo period (1603–1868). Their diminutive size—most measure no more than 1–4cm high—gave rise to their name, ‘Kiyomizu-mame’ or ‘Kiyomizu bean’ dolls.